In a recent development concerning the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal 2 (KWDT2), Telangana has appealed for the allocation of 789 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of the 1050 TMC of Krishna waters to the joint Andhra Pradesh (AP). Telangana submitted its Statement of Case (SOC) to the tribunal ahead of the deadline, arguing for its entitlement to the specified share. The SOC outlines Telangana’s request for the allocation, distributing the 789 TMC as follows: 299 TMC for completed and operational projects, 238 TMC for projects under construction, 216 TMC for future projects, and 36 TMC for drinking water requirements.
Telangana emphasized its claim to 555 TMCs based on 75 percent availability (dependability) as a minimum, with an additional 575 TMCs on the basis of 65 percent availability. Furthermore, the state urged the tribunal to control allocations across the basin, preventing the diversion of water and ensuring fair distribution considering the basin’s needs. Telangana also stressed the importance of safeguarding against projects that could potentially harm its interests, particularly those undertaken by AP.
However, AP countered Telangana’s appeal, arguing against any alterations to the existing allocations post the state’s bifurcation. Citing Section 89 of the AP Redistricting Act, AP asserted that the allocations should remain unchanged. AP specifically requested recognition of existing projects and advocated for water allocation based on 75 percent availability solely for these projects, excluding those currently under construction. Additionally, AP demanded full rights to the remaining reserved waters and proposed the establishment of a system for allocating water released for power generation.
The tribunal is now tasked with deliberating on these contrasting appeals as both states advocate for their respective interests in the allocation of Krishna waters.
